An artistic bend of mindAre you fascinated by the nature in its myriad forms. Do people
interest you-- the way they look, the way they react to situations and
the way innumerable emotions flash through their face. Do beauty
capture your attention in all its forms? Do you have good taste and imagination?

It is not necessary that you have drawing or painting skills. However,
such skills would be advantageous when retouching/editing images on the
PhotoShop.

Powers of visualisation
Can
you see symmetry, proportion and patterns even in a
day to day scene. This is a quality similar to nose for news (see
below). Here, it is an eye for detail, colour, shape, shadows and
composition.

Can you rearrange objects to tell your story or move around
yourself to achieve the same? Can you visualise how to add
emphasis to your subject matter? (You will study some techniques for that
during your course).
Nose for newsIf you are planning to be a photojournalist, this would be an added
requirement. You should be able to distinguish potentially newsworthy
scenes and happenings. See the discussion under guidance for aspiring
journalists. Basic communication skills and ability to write neat
captions will be an advantage. Computer literacy You need not be a
geek. But you need to be computer literate. You will have to learn use
of PhotoShop, Gimp or other professional photoediting software during
the course.

Good health Assignments may
involve a lot of travel and hardships. Your work and working conditions
may change very frequently. You may have to work in inhospitable
conditions and at odd hours. Do you enjoy travel and adventure?

Patience and perseverance
Photographers would often have to wait long for the right time and
moment. In photography, patience always pays. Perseverance will make
you a known photojournalist.

Presence of mind
This is a must for a photojournalist, if you are to shoot those award winning photos of tragedies.

Besides, well known film institutes and fine arts colleges in various cities offer photography as a subsidiary subject.
See separate list for universities offering courses in photography / videography.